Begrudged vs. Resented

Attribute	Begrudged	Resented
Definition	Feeling of envy or ill will towards someone due to their possessions or success	Feeling of bitterness or anger towards someone for a perceived wrong or injustice
Emotion	Negative	Negative
Intensity	Less intense	More intense
Trigger	Usually related to possessions or success	Usually related to perceived wrong or injustice

Definition

Both begrudged and resented are emotions that involve feelings of anger, bitterness, and ill will towards someone or something. However, there are subtle differences in the nuances of these two emotions.

Origin

The word "begrudged" comes from the Old English word "begrydan," which means "to envy." On the other hand, "resented" comes from the Latin word "resentire," which means "to feel again." The origins of these words give us a clue about the underlying emotions associated with each.

Intensity

Begrudging someone typically involves a milder form of resentment compared to outright resentment. When you begrudge someone something, you may feel a sense of envy or jealousy, but it may not be as intense as the feelings of bitterness and anger associated with resentment.

Duration

Resentment tends to be a more long-lasting emotion compared to begrudging. Begrudging someone may be a fleeting feeling that arises in a specific situation, whereas resentment can linger and fester over time, leading to deeper animosity towards the person or situation.

Expression

When you begrudge someone something, you may keep your feelings to yourself and not express them openly. On the other hand, resentment is often expressed more openly through words or actions, as it is a stronger and more deeply rooted emotion.

Impact

While both begrudging and resenting someone can have negative effects on your mental well-being, resentment tends to have a more significant impact. Resentment can lead to feelings of anger, hostility, and even hatred towards the person or situation, which can be detrimental to your emotional health.

Relationships

Begrudging someone may not necessarily damage a relationship, as it can be a passing feeling that doesn't affect your interactions with the person. However, resentment can erode relationships over time, as the underlying feelings of bitterness and anger can create tension and conflict.

Coping Mechanisms

When you feel begrudged, you may be able to overcome the feeling by practicing gratitude and focusing on the positives in your own life. Resentment, on the other hand, may require more intensive coping mechanisms such as therapy or forgiveness practices to address the deep-seated emotions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both begrudged and resented are negative emotions that involve feelings of anger and bitterness, there are distinct differences between the two. Begrudging someone may be a milder and more fleeting emotion, while resentment is deeper and more long-lasting. Understanding these differences can help us navigate our emotions and relationships more effectively.